Functional Neurosurgery

Functional neurosurgery is a subspecialty within the field of neurosurgery that focuses on the treatment of neurological disorders through surgical interventions aimed at modulating or restoring the function of the nervous system. This branch of neurosurgery often involves the use of various techniques to target specific areas of the brain or other parts of the nervous system.

Some common conditions treated by functional neurosurgery include movement disorders, epilepsy, chronic pain, and psychiatric disorders. The procedures performed in functional neurosurgery are often precise and involve the use of advanced imaging techniques to guide the surgeon to the specific target within the brain.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): This involves the implantation of electrodes into specific areas of the brain, and these electrodes are connected to a neurostimulator device that delivers electrical impulses. DBS is often used to treat movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia.

Neuromodulation for Pain: Techniques such as spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation are used to alleviate chronic pain conditions by interrupting or modulating pain signals.

Epilepsy Surgery: Surgical procedures like resective surgery or corpus callosotomy may be performed to treat epilepsy when medications are ineffective. These procedures aim to remove or disconnect the brain tissue responsible for generating seizures.